Police have recovered 52 suspected stolen motorcycles in the Albertine region following a series of intelligence-led operations targeting gangs behind the theft and robbery of boda-bodas. The motorcycles were recovered in Kagadi, Kikuube, Kibaale, Hoima District and Hoima City through joint operations involving police and local communities.
Albertine Regional Police spokesperson Julius Hakiza said the recovered motorcycles are among 202 that were reported stolen or violently robbed from their owners between January and June 2026. He said investigations and operations to recover the remaining motorcycles are ongoing.
Hakiza revealed that several suspects linked to the thefts and robberies have been arrested, with seven already convicted on offences including aggravated robbery, theft and murder. He added that investigations into other cases are still underway. According to Hakiza, some of the motorcycle thefts turned deadly, with boda-boda riders killed during the robberies, while others sustained serious injuries.
He urged riders to remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies to curb the crime. Hakiza also appealed to members of the public to provide information that could help police arrest suspects involved in motorcycle theft and the illegal trade in stolen motorcycles and spare parts.
Swaleh Maani, the chairperson of the Hoima City Boda-Boda Riders Association, said motorcycle theft remains one of the biggest challenges facing riders in the city. He noted that more than 50 motorcycles belonging to riders in Hoima City have been stolen or robbed since the beginning of the year, calling for sustained security operations to dismantle the criminal networks targeting boda-boda operators-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
